Africa’s Top Referee Deported from US Ahead of World Cup
A Somali football referee widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest match officials has reportedly been denied entry into the United States and deported despite travelling with a diplomatic passport ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Omar Abdulkadir Artan, 34, was turned back at Miami International Airport and placed on a return flight to Istanbul after arriving from Kenya via Turkey, according to reports.
The development has sparked surprise within football circles, especially after FIFA had earlier indicated that visa-related issues affecting the referee had been resolved and that he would be available to officiate at the World Cup.
Artan was reportedly carrying a diplomatic passport facilitated through the Somali Embassy in Nairobi to help overcome previous travel and visa challenges. However, no official reason has been provided for his denial of entry into the United States.
The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of immigration policies affecting nationals from countries on the U.S. travel restriction list, which includes Somalia.
Widely respected for his performances on the continent, Artan was crowned Africa’s Best Referee for 2025 at the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards, cementing his reputation as one of the continent’s elite officials.
The reported deportation has raised fresh questions about travel restrictions and their potential impact on international sporting events as the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues.
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